Lambert cover controversy
TJ Fisher
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
American Idol season eight runner-up Adam Lambert just released the cover art for his first album, For Your Entertainment, due to be released Nov. 23. Fans are excited for his music, but the album's cover art is leaving them stunned. It has an overwhelming '70s era feel, with Lambert looking shockingly feminine. There has been an uproar on the internet criticizing the picture, saying it looks like a joke.
Some fans, especially white heterosexual males, are embarrassed to even buy the CD, which could hurt record sales dramatically. Although Lambert is outwardly gay, the cover is striking in that it intentionally screams many stereotypes associated with homosexuals. Although many fans have accepted Lambert's orientation, others took longer to warm up to it. The trouble lies with these fans. Those people who have been able to tolerate that he is homosexual may be turned off the by the overt femininity of the cover, causing Lambert to lose fans.
Obviously, the biggest question with the cover is whether or not America is ready for this sort of strong statement. But also, what were Lambert's motives for having such a strong depiction of femininity? According to Entertainment Weekly journalist Mandy Bierly, Lambert confirmed that the album art was "deliberately campy." Lambert posted on his Twitter account that the cover is supposed to be ridiculous, and is "an homage to the past."
"Glad to have gotten your attention," Lambert said, addressing fans who did not understand the reference.
He went on to claim that it was a dedication to androgyny and rock-n-roll.
Although some of the response has been negative, many fans are beyond excited for the release, and stand behind Lambert 100%. Many embrace the homage to the past, and even though it is distinctly feminine, they commend Lambert's courage. Between coming out on the cover of Rolling Stone and this new cover art, fans feel that Lambert is standing up for his individuality, a trait which many find respectable.
Some fans, especially white heterosexual males, are embarrassed to even buy the CD, which could hurt record sales dramatically. Although Lambert is outwardly gay, the cover is striking in that it intentionally screams many stereotypes associated with homosexuals. Although many fans have accepted Lambert's orientation, others took longer to warm up to it. The trouble lies with these fans. Those people who have been able to tolerate that he is homosexual may be turned off the by the overt femininity of the cover, causing Lambert to lose fans.
Obviously, the biggest question with the cover is whether or not America is ready for this sort of strong statement. But also, what were Lambert's motives for having such a strong depiction of femininity? According to Entertainment Weekly journalist Mandy Bierly, Lambert confirmed that the album art was "deliberately campy." Lambert posted on his Twitter account that the cover is supposed to be ridiculous, and is "an homage to the past."
"Glad to have gotten your attention," Lambert said, addressing fans who did not understand the reference.
He went on to claim that it was a dedication to androgyny and rock-n-roll.
Although some of the response has been negative, many fans are beyond excited for the release, and stand behind Lambert 100%. Many embrace the homage to the past, and even though it is distinctly feminine, they commend Lambert's courage. Between coming out on the cover of Rolling Stone and this new cover art, fans feel that Lambert is standing up for his individuality, a trait which many find respectable.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Bill
posted 11/06/09 @ 4:26 PM EST
"Some fans, especially white heterosexual males, are embarrassed to even buy the CD"
This sounds like a white heterosexual male problem, and not an Adam Lambert problem, you homophobe. (Continued…)
Angel
posted 11/06/09 @ 4:51 PM EST
Ho Hum...are we still talking about this?
JLM
posted 11/06/09 @ 5:42 PM EST
You know at first people were freaking out! Now it seens most people are use to it. The majority of people download their music anyway. I think the cover will become a classic!! It is hillarious! Totally artsy, a nod to glam in the Bowie period and history - right down to the retro fonts. (Continued…)
Denise
posted 11/06/09 @ 6:07 PM EST
I agree with this article in the fact that all of us who adore Adam love the cover. If anyone has trouble with the cover its because they have tunnel vision. (Continued…)
Scat
posted 11/06/09 @ 7:17 PM EST
America needs to get over his "gayness" and just listen to the music. Adam is a phenomenal singer and a brilliant performer. Just enjoy the music.
paula
posted 11/06/09 @ 11:26 PM EST
'White male hetersexuals are embarrassed to even buy the CD' - really? It's not even out in the stores yet, so no one will see them secretly purchasing a fantastic new album on iTunes!
Brooke L
posted 11/08/09 @ 9:23 AM EST
Adam looks like a woman on his cd cover. Too fem for me...no thanks.
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